Profiles
"Dixieland Express"
Clem Meehan
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Started in 1935 |
 Still trying to get it right |
Founder and leader
Trumpeter and vocalist, Clem is a regular performer at most of Tasmania's jazz festivals and has augmented lots of Tassie bands including "Viktor Zappner's All Stars" and "The Jazzmanians"
He is also a long time member of the 'Clarence City Concert Band'. In 1998, Clem was presented with a 'Satchmo' award at St Helens for his contribution to Tasmanian Jazz. He is father of blues singer, Kate Meehan who is currently performing at major blues festivals around Australia with her partner, Skip Landy.
Music has always been in Clem's blood. His late father, Clem (senior) was a lifelong dedicated bandsman and bandmaster of the 'Queenstown Silver Band' for close to 30 years and in his later years, bandmaster of the 'Penguin Brass Band'.
John Broadby - Reeds & Piano
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John first became interested in jazz when, as a teenager, he frequented Hobart's 7HT Theatrette in the early 50's where the Tom Pickering jazz band played, never dreaming that in the ensuing years he would be playing with most members of that great band. In more recent years he has been in great demand as a reeds player and pianist. He has performed with such well known Australian jazz identities as the late Tom Baker, Bob Barnard, Paul Furniss, Geoff Power, Eric Holroyd, George Washingmachine and Dan Barnett.
John is a foundation member of Dixieland Express and also a keen member of the Clarence City Concert Band.
At the 2002 Suncoast Jazz Festival John was presented with the Satchmo Award in appreciation of his contribution to Tasmanian jazz.
Paul Martin - Reeds
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Paul plays all the reed instruments and makes a huge contribution to the front line of Dixieland Express. He has played extensively on the mainland with some of Australia's leading jazz bands before coming to Tasmania and is regularly called to augment some of these bands from time to time. Paul also plays baritone saxophone in his local Huon Valley Concert Band.
Ken Martin - Bass & Vocals
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Ken plays bass with the group and sings some 'very interesting' vocals. He is one of the foundation members of Dixieland Express and also plays trombone with the Clarence City Concert Band. Ken joins Clem in duo vocals.
Terry Patterson - Drums
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Terry started playing drums when he was 12 years old. He is heavily involved in the jazz scene and attends all the festivals in Tasmania as well as several on the mainland. Terry was awarded a Satchmo award at St Helens in 2004 for his contribution to Tasmanian jazz. He is currently a casual presenter with 92FM "Contrasts in Classis Jazz" and enjoys sharing his large collection of jazz recordings with his listeners.
He is also a long serving member of the Tasmanian Police Pipe Band and has attended the Edinburgh Tattoo in Scotland on two occasions.
Neil Levis -
Piano/Keyboards
(Mr Magic)
Neil is perhaps the most creative & versatile jazz pianists that we have in this state. He is just as happy being part of a six or seven piece ensemble as he is as an accompanist for many very well known vocalists and front line musicians. Neil is well known at many of the mainland jazz festivals, having attended Brisbane, Dubbo, Bellingen, St Helens, Devonport and many others.
Besides being such an excellent pianist, he also plays a mean valve trombone. Neil has played with & backed many world class artists in the past and has the ability to combine bass keyboard with his left hand and piano with the right. (see what I mean about being versatile?)